Peterborough service offers housing help for struggling addicts

Peterborough City Council is raising awareness of the new service

A housing support service has been launched for people in Peterborough struggling because of alcohol or drug issues.

The city council has targeted help for those whose addiction means they are at risk of losing their homes or deemed unsuitable to be housed.

It has received £540,000 of government funding to help people get support while in secure and stable housing.

The authority said it hoped it would make a "positive difference".

The new service is being run for the next two years in conjunction with local charity Change Grow Live.

Saqib Farooq, the council's cabinet member for adults and health, said: "I am delighted that the funding for the housing support programme for people who need support around drugs and alcohol and housing is available, and local residents can start benefiting from the floating support being made available.

"Helping people who are suffering from alcohol and drug issues is a key part of the government's national drug strategy, From Harm to Hope, which identified good housing outcomes as being crucial when it comes to successfully completing drug and alcohol treatment.

"I would urge anyone who could benefit from this support to please consider accessing it right away, as I am sure it will help make a positive difference for many people."